Claudette Cain vividly recalls her final council meeting as mayor of Gloucester before the city was absorbed by Ottawa in 2001. She emotionally removed her chain of office, symbolizing the end of her mayoral term. Janet Stavinga, the last mayor of Goulbourn Township, also had to relinquish her chains and the community’s historic seal, transitioning to being a councillor in the new City of Ottawa.
Reflecting on the amalgamation 25 years later, opinions remain divided. While former mayor Jim Watson views it as a positive move that created a stronger city with a unified voice, many former leaders, including Mary Pitt, the last mayor of Nepean, see it as a mistake.
Prior to the amalgamation, the Ottawa area had a dual-level local government system. Regional services were provided by a higher-tier government, while local municipalities managed various services independently. In the late 90s, the Mike Harris government mandated municipal mergers, promising cost savings and efficiency.
Despite initial tax cuts and administrative restructuring, critics argue that the promised savings did not materialize. Concerns about the loss of local democracy and community identity persist among former municipal leaders and residents affected by the amalgamation.
Efforts for de-amalgamation were once active but have waned over the years. While some still advocate for a return to smaller, more localized governance, the logistical and financial challenges of reversing the amalgamation have deterred serious consideration. Despite the ongoing debate, current leaders acknowledge the progress made in enhancing democratic processes and addressing rural community concerns within the amalgamated city.